The Chicago Opera Theater has announced its 2017-18 Season with three rare works being performed.

Patricia Racette headlines opening night as she performs Gian Carlo Menotti’s “The Consul.” The new production will be directed by Andreas Mitisek. The opera, which is rarely staged, has been hailed by the New York Times as “an opera of eloquence, momentousness, and intensity of expression… written from the heart.” “The Consul” will mark Racette’s return to the company after her acclaimed work in Poulenc’s “La Voix Humaine.”

Following performances of Menotti’s work, Kevin Puts’s opera will be presented in a production by David Schweizer. Based on the novel “The Trial of Elizabeth Cree” by Peter Ackroyd, this will be a world premiere co-production with Opera Philadelphia and Hackney Empire. It will also mark the reteaming of Puts with librettist Mark Campbell.

The season concludes with a double bill of Donizetti works. The program will feature the composer’s first work “Il Pigmalione” and the rarely performed “Rita.”  Directed by Amy Hutchison the double bill will be a chance to explore Donizetti’s works in more depth.

Douglas Clayton, the Executive director of the company noted, “As we embark on our on our 44th season at COT, we looked to curate a season that combines new and rarely-performed works that surprise and challenge, from a thrilling, mysterious world-premiere to a double-bill that spans the career of a great composer. This season, we’ll continue to engage current opera audiences while constantly striving to cultivate new patrons, and warmly welcoming them into the beautiful Studebaker Theater where they can view opera in unparalleled intimacy. COT endeavors to be a platform for exceptional artistry, experimentation and a showcase for new talent, and our 2017/2018 season will be no different with these remarkable operas.”

The Chicago Opera Theater’s season runs from Nov. 4, 2017, to April 22, 2018.